3D printed neural implants have been developed that are soft and flexible

Engineers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT; MA, USA) are developing soft and flexible neural implants, which are able to conform to the contours of the brain and monitor activity – without aggravating surrounding tissue – for longer periods of time. These neural implants could provide an alternative approach to using metal-based electrodes and might be useful in alleviating symptoms associated with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and severe depression.   The research, which has been published in Nature Communications, describes how the devices were made from a type of polymer that is electrically conductive (PEDOT:PSS). This polymer is usually supplied as...